Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Enjoyed That Are Outside My Comfort Zone

Happy Tuesday! Today's Top Ten Tuesday link-up theme is Books I Enjoyed That Are Outside My Comfort Zone. I do tend to stick to some familiar (and favorite) genres, but on occasion, I step outside that box ... and I am often pleasantly surprised. That was the case with the books on today's list. If you click on the book titles, you can read the book blurbs as posted on Goodreads.

So, here we go, in no particular order...

Synapse by Steven James

4/5 stars

I've never read a book about AI (Artificial Intelligence), and I wasn't sure what to think of it. The story was quite engaging and full of action, as the book is full of conspiracies, as well as a terrorist attack. The suspense keeps the reader guessing.

The Delusion by Laura Gallier

4/5 stars

I came across the second book while looking at upcoming releases, and I could tell that it was best to read the books in order. I'm currently reading the second book in the series, but it's just as engaging as the first one. The first book gives the reader an inside look at the good and evil that surrounds us daily ... though many people are blind to it.

King's Shadow by Angela Hunt

3.5/5 stars

I've only read a few books similar to this (biblical fiction), and they've been hit or miss for me. However, Hunt does a fabulous job with her beautifully detailed scenes, which brings the characters to life.

Asylum 54.0 by Nadege Richards

4.5/5 stars

I met this author a few years ago at an event, and the cover caught my eye. I was leery about the book based on the description. But, when the author compared it to X-Men meets Divergent, she convinced me to give it a try ... and I'm glad. I read this book (which is over 400 pages long) in less than a day. I have the second book in the series, and I look forward to reading it soon.

Hideous Beauty by Jack Cavanaugh

4/5 stars

This book was quite different from my typical reads, but I received a complimentary copy of it, so I decided to give it a try, as I had nothing to lose. The action starts early on and really pulled me in. It's labeled as part of a series, though it did have a satisfying conclusion. I'll be keeping an eye out for a sequel.

Mark of the Raven (Ravenwood Saga) by Morgan L. Busse

4/5 stars

I've heard of this author for a few years, but I've never read her books. I had a chance to review this book for publication, so I took a chance on it. Since reading the first one, I've read the second in the series, and I'm anxiously awaiting the conclusion to the series. 

The Remnant Series by Vannetta Chapman

4/5 stars

I've read and enjoyed a number of books by Chapman, but they've primarily been Amish-themed novels. This series was quite different, but I know she's a great storyteller, so I decided to give the series a try. The books are quite intense and are about a subject I was largely unfamiliar with (solar flares). I found I really liked enjoyed the dystopian nature of this series.

Of Fire and Lions by Mesu Andrews

4/5 stars

This is another example of biblical fiction, in this case, a retelling of the story of Daniel. I've heard great things about Andrews, but I've been leery to try any of the books, as I'd feared they'd be dry and boring or difficult to follow and stay engaged. Thankfully, I was wrong. The characters and situations were still quite relevant to today's readers.

Tainted by Morgan L. Busse

4/5 stars

This is the first book in "The Soul Chronicles" series, and I've read both books ... and I loved them! I'd never read any steampunk books, but I'd enjoyed Busse's other series (Ravenwood Saga). Plus, I met her at an author signing, and the books looked interesting, so I picked them up. And I was right about them! I've since read a few other steampunk books by other authors, and I've enjoyed them, too.

The United Trilogy by Jaci Wheeler

4/5 stars

This is a dystopian series that I decided to try after meeting the author at a book signing. I enjoyed the realistic characters and the story line, which, like with many dystopian books, is of the "this could really happen" nature. 

So, what are some books you've enjoyed that were outside your comfort zone?